By Moses Patience Chat
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, has performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the first Glass Reinforced Expoxy (GRE) pipe and Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) manufacturing plant at Polaku Bayelsa State, being promoted by AS Energies Limited.
The presence of the plant, which is estimated to cost about N7.04 billion, is expected to facilitate technology transfer in pipe manufacturing technology and the development of a variety of skills among the local population.
Glass Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) and Glass Reinforced Plastic pipes are known to be more resistant, lighter, less corrosive, and more durable than conventional carbon steel pipes currently in use in the country, meaning that reduced maintenance cost will be achieved.
Speaking at the event, the Wabote commended the Management of AS Energies Limited and its subsidiary, African Star Manufacturing Services Ltd, on the successful take-off of the construction work at the pipe manufacturing plant.
He also noted that the project is in line with the mission statement of NCDMB, which is “to promote the development and utilization of in-country capacities for the industrialization of Nigeria through the effective implementation of the Nigerian Content Act.”
Engr. Wabote further described the ongoing construction activities as a dream come true for the Polaku Community, as plans for a pipe manufacturing mill in the area had been on the drawing board for a decade.
He added that Polaku Community and the Gbarain Clan, generally are blessed, given the concentration of strategic industries in the area and indications that many others would also be there eventually.
Some of the firms that are in the locality include the Shell Gas Gathering Plant, Azikel Refinery (a modular hydro-skimming processing plant), the US$45 million Types 3 LPG Composite Cylinder Manufacturing Plant, owned by Rungas Prime Industries Limited, and Eraskon Nigeria Limited.
Engr. Wabote said the Pipe Manufacturing Plant is a testament to the giant strides in local content drive in the country, while assuring AS Energies Ltd that NCDMB would give due consideration to its request for support. He equally encouraged the Management of the Company to explore available financing options so as to ensure project delivery on appointed time.
The NCDMB Boss expressed delight that AS Energies’ pipes will be produced to meet the regulatory standards such as: ISO 9001- Quality Management System Requirements; ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System Standard; & BS 18001 – Occupational Health & Safety Management System Standard.
The Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dacono, Agada IV, during the groundbreaking ceremony, also expressed pleasure at the physical presence of the company in the community, and thanked NCDMB for the wonderful work it has done in the state by facilitating the establishment of major indigenous firms.
The traditional ruler also urged the Management of the Company to avoid the practices of international oil companies (IOCs) in the Niger Delta that have done very little to assist in the development of host communities but have rather been engaged in divide-and-rule and causing intra- and inter-communal crises.
He further assured them of the total support and cooperation of the community, if they take the community along in their operations.